Renewable fuel producers ready, willing, able but need policy certainty, new tools to unlock next wave of growth

Shaw (Photo: Ron Kotrba, Biobased Diesel Daily®)

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw told attendees at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Feb. 5 that America’s ethanol and biodiesel producers are “ready, willing and able” to meet demand.  

That growth, however, hinges on opening new markets and restoring policy certainty at both the state and federal levels.  

“Both state and federal policy must once again embrace the positive power of renewable fuels at work,” Shaw said. “Remove barriers and uncertainty. Resist those that would tie our hands behind our backs.”  

Shaw closed his remarks with a “crystal clear” rallying cry for year-round E15, noting that if President Trump fails to compel Congress to act, the fight for E15 will continue.  

“E15 is vital to the future of ethanol, farmers and rural America,” Shaw stated. “Our fight will return to the states, where seven Midwest governors showed us a path forward to year-round E15. It is not our preferred path forward. But it may be our only path. If so, we will accept the challenge. Because we shall never surrender.”  

Shaw outlined pathways to unlocking new demand beyond E15, including lower-carbon marine fuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS).  

“If renewable fuels can provide just a portion of their low-carbon needs, those markets could drive demand for 20 to 30 years, even when accounting for the increased productivity of American farmers,” he noted.  

Shaw also highlighted the importance of upcoming policy announcements, such as the 45Z clean fuel production credit and robust Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, which he predicted “will bear fruit in 2026.”  

“We have seen the power of renewable fuels at work,” Shaw said. “When renewable fuels do well, farmers do well. And when farmers do well, the rural economy does well. And when the rural economy does well, it’s good for all of Iowa.”  

The text of Shaw’s full remarks can be found here.